Antiprotozoal and cytotoxic effects of alkamides from Algerian Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.)

Seven alkamides (1–7) and one coumarin (8) were isolated from the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) growing in Algeria. Their structures were determined through spectroscopic techniques including HRESIMS, 1D, and 2D NMR. 13-Octadecenamide 1 is a novel natural compound, whereas compounds 2, 4, and 8 were isolated for the first time within the genus Anacyclus. Compounds 2, 5, and 6 were evaluated for their in vitro antiprotozoal activity against Acanthamoe bacastellanii, Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania donovani, and Trypanosoma cruzi, alongside cytotoxicity assessment in the macrophage J774 cell line. All tested compounds exhibited activity against the used parasites, with compound 2 (IC50 25.6 µM) showing the highest potency against T. cruzi, while compounds 5 (IC50 29.0 µM) and 6 (IC50 26.9 µM) were most effective against A. castellanii. Moreover, compound 5 displayed the lowest cytotoxicity effect (LC50 305.8 µM). These tested compounds represent potential candidates for further development as antiprotozoal agents.